Blocked sinuses, also known as sinusitis, are a common health complaint among Americans. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 13 percent of non-institutionalized American adults may have sinusitis. Blocked sinuses may be caused by fungal, bacterial or viral infection of your sinuses. Before using diet and nutrition to help clear your sinuses and treat your sinusitis, discuss all diet-related topics with your primary care provider.
Sinusitis Info
Colds and allergies may be one of the most common causes of sinusitis. These health problems cause excessive mucus accumulation that blocks the opening of your sinuses. Sinusitis may cause numerous symptoms, notes the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, including pain in your affected sinuses, nasal secretions that are white, green or yellow in color, fatigue, reduced ability to smell, throat pain, halitosis, or bad breath, fever and cough. Smoking, hay fever and diseases such as cystic fibrosis, tooth infections and HIV are all possible risk factors for developing blocked sinuses.
A Beneficial Diet
Beneficial dietary exclusions in treating your blocked sinuses may include sugar, salt and dairy foods, except yogurt and cottage cheese, notes certified nutritional consultant Phyllis A. Balch, author of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing." Beneficial dietary inclusions may include raw onion, horseradish, ginger, garlic and cayenne. Foods and beverages such as soups and herbal teas may help mucus flow more easily from your sinuses, which can help relieve your sinus congestion, pressure and pain.
A Helpful Food
Cayenne may be a helpful food in treating your blocked sinuses. In her book "Herbal Medicine From the Heart of the Earth," naturopathic physician Sharol Tilgner states that cayenne has historically been used as an antiseptic and pain-relieving agent. Cayenne has long been used to help expel thick mucus as well as to treat voice hoarseness, fevers and poor circulation. Cayenne peppers contain significant amounts of vitamins A, B6 and C, manganese and dietary fiber.
Considerations
Blocked sinuses are not a life-threatening condition, although they can significantly decrease your quality of life and cause considerable discomfort. If you develop blocked sinuses, report to your primary care provider at your earliest possible convenience for a full evaluation of your health problem. Your physician can counsel you on the merits, drawbacks and limitations of natural therapies, including diet and nutrition, in treating your blocked sinuses. Further research evidence may be needed to determine the true effectiveness of foods traditionally used for this health purpose.
References
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Sinus Conditions
- National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases: Sinusitis
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch, CNC; 2010
- "Herbal Medicine From the Heart of the Earth"; Sharol Tilgner, N.D.; 1999
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